Young adults are called to experience transformation.

The annual Young Adult Conference took place May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. Drawing 99 young adults and leaders from around the nation, the conference focused on Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect."

"Only when we allow ourselves to be transformed are we able to recognize, accept, and respond to what God wants from us," noted coordinator Emily Tyler.

Bob Etzweiler and Hannah Serfling were the featured young adult speakers. Etzweiler opened the weekend with a challenging assessment of the ways in which Christians as the Body of Christ must transform daily lifestyle choices into faith statements in order to continue living. Serfling focused on the transformation that takes place by seeking forgiveness from sin.

Other speakers included Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, who spoke about the idea that each of us is called to be a "reflector" of the love of Jesus Christ. Craig Smith, executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District, spurred conference-goers to "go and do likewise" after a message describing what transformation looks like in individuals and the church. Worship services also included communion and anointing.

When not worshiping, young adults participated in several other activities. Padare (workshop) sessions were held on topics ranging from storytelling to Bible study to immigration reform. "Joyful Noise" sessions gave participants a chance to sing favorite hymns while learning a few new tunes. Small groups, called Community Groups, met several times throughout the weekend.

A Coffeehouse affirmed that the Church of the Brethren has been given many talented young adults. Musical numbers included driving rhythms, rich guitar chords, and lyrics in at least two languages. Humor was a frequent guest in the room as well; participants had a hard time taking seriously the musician who wore an over-sized orange foam cowboy hat.

In addition to providing information on its services, Mutual Aid Association held a free ice-cream social and a drawing for door prizes.

The weekend ended with hugs and goodbyes to new and old friends. Hopefully, many will re-unite next year over Memorial Day weekend at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa. Also, young adults are encouraged to begin making plans now to attend the second National Young Adult Conference, June 9-13, 2008, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Manchester College Honors Five Alumni for Their Dedication to Education, Society, Youth

Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board, was among five alumni of Manchester College who were honored at Alumni Days May 31-June 1 in North Manchester, Ind. Other honorees included former Manchester College faculty members Allen C. Deeter, William R. Eberly, and Arthur L. Gilbert, and college trustee Melvin L. Holmes. Deeter is professor emeritus of Religion and Philosophy and is well known for his leadership in expanding Brethren Colleges Abroad; Eberly is professor emeritus of Biology and author of “The History of the Natural Sciences at Manchester College”; Gilbert is professor emeritus of Accounting who led expansion of the accounting department and the master’s of accountancy degree; Holmes is a retired senior buyer at AM General Corporation in South Bend, Ind., and a community leader in intercultural relations. For more go to www.manchester.edu.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2006

Where:York Center Church of the Brethren Lombard Illinois
When: November 3rd - 5th

Mark your calendars now!! Make plans to attend.

Come and “Be still”, come and see who is alive,
come and be a part of something different and new!
Come and experience ‘Knowing God is God’!!

NYC BUS TRIP IS A GO!

Two full buses will head west from the district at the end of July. By May 1, 105 youth and advisors registered for travel to National Youth Conference. Sixteen congregations represent IL/WI. Visiting youth from India who are guests of Naperville COB will ride with us.

One bus leaves Peoria COB at 8:30 a.m. on July 21. Another bus departs Naperville COB at 9:00 a.m. The two buses meet at Dixon COB leaving at 11:00 am. A prayer circle is planned at each location. Others are welcome to help send off our youth to NYC.

After an overnight stop in Omaha, Neb., our group arrives at National Youth Conference in Fort Collins, Colo., the afternoon of July 22. The Illinois/Wisconsin delegation joins about 3,500 other Brethren youth and advisors for five days of worship, fellowship, learning, service, and fun. We will leave Colorado late morning on July 27, stopping overnight at McPherson College. The buses return to the three Illinois churches late evening on July 28.

Itinerary details have been sent to registered bus riders. Please be in prayer for all those participating, and join the enthusiasm as the buildup to National Youth Conference continues.

Source: June 2006 District Newsletter

SPRING YOUTH RETREAT HEARS TOM BENEVENTO.

Tom Benevento works with poor and marginalized people in the US and Central America. He led several sessions on "Living Simply" for the spring youth retreat on March 17-19 at Freeport COB. Tom lives in Goshen, Ind., and works with the Global Mission Partnerships office of the General Board. He encouraged the youth to think about the choices they make and offered ideas for living in a sustainable and earth-friendly way.

Two dozen youth participated in the weekend, which included a service project, games, and worship times. Youth capped off the weekend by leading worship for Freeport's Sunday morning service.

The fall retreat will be held during district conference, Nov. 3-5 at York Center COB in Lombard, Ill. A possible post-National Youth Conference retreat/celebration is also being discussed. Watch for more information.

Source: June 2006 District Newsletter

Manchester College alum to study in Belgium

NORTH MANCHESTER - As a Manchester College student, Wendy J. Matheny learned about politics in West Africa, where she worked to help women break their cycle of poverty. After graduation, she studied Capitol Hill politics as an intern for U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Now, with a full-ride Fulbright scholarship, Matheny, a Peoria native will research politics at the seat of the European Union and NATO - in Brussels, Belgium. Matheny, a 2005 cum laude graduate, is Manchester College's 19th Fulbright in 11 years. Her scholarship is for the 2006-2007 school year.

As a graduate student at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, she will study the political impact of the increased involvement of women in Belgian-European politics.

“The idea came to me when I was in Togo - seeing women at the bottom of the political food chain,” said Matheny, who volunteered for six weeks in West Africa with ECHOPPE Inc., which helps women start their own businesses and individual initiatives for economic improvement.

The political science and French major studied abroad at the Université de Strasbourg her sophomore year with Brethren Colleges Abroad, and spent a month in The Hague at the International Symposium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. She also served as a conference translator in Kenya and traveled to Ecuador on an environmental learning tour - all through her Manchester College connections.

And after her Fulbright year in Belgium?

“I love the political game and want to continue that in some form, whether on the domestic front or internationally,” said Matheny. “I'd love to work on the Hill again, but I also want to do grad school.”

Undoubtedly, she will continue to focus on the role of women in the international political arena.

Matheny came to Manchester because it is a Church of the Brethren college, and for the College's historical reputation in peace studies and study abroad opportunities. She was raised in the Peoria First Church of the Brethren.

Source: Wabash Plain Dealer

National Council of Churches seeks Stewards

The National Council of Churches (NCC) seeks young adults ages 18-30 to serve in its Stewards Program for the Nov. 7-9, 2006, General Assembly of the NCC and Church World Service in Orlando, Fla. The program provides young adults with a unique experience of ecumenical formation, as they serve to help make the assembly happen through volunteer assignments in hospitality, registration, platform assistance, technology, the assembly office, and the newsroom. Stewards arrive in Orlando for orientation on Nov. 5 and depart Nov. 10. Expenses except personal expenses will be covered by the assembly, through special donations from supporters. Deadline for applications is Aug. 1. Go to http://www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/2006stewardsapplication.pdf.

Source: 5/24/2006 Newsline

Manchester College Fulbright Scholars

Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is sending two Brethren faculty members to Europe next year as Fulbright Scholars. Recent Manchester graduate Wendy Matheny, who was raised in First Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Ill., also has received a Fulbright scholarship to study the impact of women in politics at the seat of the European Union and NATO in Brussels, Belgium, as a graduate student at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles. Hers is Manchester College's 19th Fulbright in 11 years, the college said in a press release. Gregory W. Clark, associate professor of Physics, will work at Cardiff University in Wales this fall and in Jan. 2007 on nanoscience research involving conducting polymer molecules; and Steven S. Naragon, associate professor of Philosophy, will use his Fulbright grant in spring 2007 to translate into English a set of student notes from 18th century philosopher Kant's metaphysics lectures, working in Marburg, Germany. Both faculty attend Manchester Church of the Brethren. Matheny has been studying Capitol Hill politics as an intern for US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton since her graduation from Manchester last year. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright Scholar program is an international educational exchange activity sponsored by the US Department of State. For more go to www.manchester.edu.

Exploring Your Call Canceled for 2006

An Exploring Your Call youth event has been canceled by sponsor Bethany Theological Seminary. The event was scheduled for June 23-27 at Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., but has been called off in light of the involvement of youth in National Youth Conference (NYC) in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27. Exploring Your Call began as an annual event in 2001 as an opportunity for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to consider issues of faith and vocation. EYC also did not take place in 2002, primarily in order not to conflict with NYC. Bethany students and staff will provide some leadership at NYC this year, and look forward to conversations with youth in these settings and at the Bethany exhibit, according to a release from the seminary. Some youth groups have planned a stop at Bethany’s Richmond campus as part of their NYC travels. Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian Education and director of Bethany’s Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults, expects that Exploring Your Call will continue in the future. “This is a good time to re-evaluate, and possibly improve and refine the program,” he said. For more go to www.bethanyseminary.edu.

Outdoor Ministries Association

The Outdoor Ministries Association is encouraging membership for volunteers involved in all areas of outdoor ministries, others interested in outdoor ministries, Brethren camps, as well as professional camp staff. “Join OMA: It’s not just for camp directors,” said a newsletter from Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., one of the 29 Church of the Brethren camps in the US. OMA serves in many roles, said the newsletter, as “a support network for Brethren camps, an active association of camp enthusiasts and professionals, an educational body providing programs and support to districts, and... a voice for the Church of the Brethren to the larger camping industry through the American Camp Association, the National Council of Churches camp curriculum writers, the Christian Ministries in the National Parks, and Christian Camp/Conference International.” OMA members support the outdoor ministries of the church and programs that promote stewardship of the environment. Members receive newsletters as well as information about conferences and trainings. Annual membership fees are $30 for an individual, $50 for a family, $150 for a camp professional. Go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/OMA.htm for the membership form. For more about the association go to www.cob-net.org/oma.htm or write to the Outdoor Ministries Association, P.O. Box F, Bethel, PA 19507.

Young Adult Conference 2006

Young Adult Conference 2006 is planned for May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "Transformed" from Romans 12:1-8. Activities will include worship, campfires, "padares" for small group discussion, an open microphone session, community groups, and a coffee house. Register online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline

Steve Van Houten to coordinate General Board's workcamp ministry.

Steve Van Houten has been hired to fill a new position as coordinator of Workcamp Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board. The position is housed in the board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and will begin July 6 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Van Houten has been senior pastor of Akron (Ohio) Springfield Church of the Brethren for 11 years, and also spent 12 years as pastor of Cloverdale (Va.) Church of the Brethren. He also has been a volunteer leader for several workcamps for the General Board over the past 10 years.

He brings to the position a degree in biology and chemistry as a pre-med major at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., a degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, and several years of teaching high school math.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline

Brethren Academy offers courses for students, pastors, laypeople.

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership offers an array of courses in theological and biblical study, open to students in the Training in Ministry and Education for Shared Ministry programs as well as pastors seeking continuing education and interested laypeople. The academy is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary.

Registration for each course costs $150. Each offers one academy-level credit for students or two continuing education credits for pastors. Upcoming courses include:

"Interpreting the Brethren," June 10-14, at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Instructor is Timothy Binkley, archivist of the Center for Evangelical United Brethren Heritage at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

"Worship," Sept 22-24, taught by Andrew Murray, professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Religion, and director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. This course is offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.

"Daniel," Oct. 2-Nov. 11, an online course taught by Susan Jeffers, adjunct professor at Bethany and an academy instructor, is offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.

"Passions of Youth, Practices of Christ," Oct. 12-15, a follow-up study to this summer's National Youth Conference for youth leaders and others interested in the rising generation in the church. The course will be taught at Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., by Russell Haitch, Bethany's assistant professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.

"Leaders, Boards, and the Brethren," Oct. 19-22, is centered on the experience of attending the fall meeting of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill., taught by Brethren writer and historian James Lehman. The course introduces students to denominational structure and program, and current denominational leadership.

Registration brochures are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy or by calling 800-287-8822 ext. 1824. Register for courses held through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center by contacting Mary Schiavoni, Program Administrator, Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Elizabethtown College, One Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022; 717-361-1450.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline

Illinois/Wisconsin District Church of the Brethren
National Youth Conference Bus Trip * July 21-28, 2006
subject to change - please check back

Friday, July 21, 2006

8:30 a.m.		Bus 1 departs Peoria Church of the Brethren Address: 4714 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614
9 a.m.		Bus 2 departs Naperville Church of the Brethren Address: 1020 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540
10:30 a.m. (approx.)		Buses meet at Dixon Church of the Brethren Address: 215 N. Court (at corner of Court & Brinton Ave.), Dixon, IL 60123
11 a.m.		Both buses depart Dixon Church of the Brethren
1 p.m. (approx.)		Lunch stop in West Branch/Iowa City, IA area
2 p.m. (approx.)		Depart lunch stop
6 p.m. (approx.)		Arrive Omaha, NE – meal stop in Council Bluffs, IA, or Omaha before reaching hotel
7 p.m.		Leave meal stop
7:15 p.m.		Arrive hotel – EconoLodge Omaha West Address: 10919 J St., Omaha, NE 68137 402-592-2882

Saturday, July 22, 2006

6 a.m.		Load baggage on buses
6:30 a.m.?		Buses depart hotel in Omaha ***TIME ZONE CHANGE EN ROUTE – TO MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME (gain one hour)***
10:30 a.m. (MDT)		Brunch stop near Ogalalla, NE
11:30 a.m.		Depart brunch stop
3 p.m. (approx.)		Arrive Fort Collins, CO – Colorado State University

Thursday, July 27, 2006

? a.m.		Time TBA – load baggage on buses
11 a.m. (slightly earlier if possible)		Depart Fort Collins, CO – Colorado State University
12:30 p.m.		Lunch stop in Aurora, CO area (east side of Denver) **NOTE: We may check in to possibility of box lunches to avoid need for lunch stop**
1:30 p.m.		Depart lunch stop ***TIME ZONE CHANGE EN ROUTE – TO CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME (lose one hour)***
7 p.m. (CDT)		Dinner stop near Hays, KS
8 p.m.		Depart dinner stop
10 p.m.		Arrive McPherson College, McPherson, KS Accommodations in Dotzour Hall

Friday, July 28, 2006

8 a.m.		Load baggage on buses
8:30 a.m.		Depart McPherson College, McPherson, KS
11:30 a.m.		Lunch stop in Kansas City/Gladstone, MO area
12:30 p.m.		Depart lunch stop
5:30 p.m.		Dinner stop in Grinnell, IA area
6:30 p.m.		Depart dinner stop
9:30 p.m.		Buses arrive at Dixon Church of the Brethren, Dixon, IL
10 p.m.		Buses depart Dixon, IL
11:30 p.m.		Bus 1 arrives at Naperville Church of the Brethren, Naperville, IL
12 a.m.		Bus 2 arrives at Peoria Church of the Brethren, Peoria, IL

‘EXPLORING YOUR CALL’ EVENT FOR YOUTH IS SPONSORED BY BETHANY SEMINARY

An “Exploring Your Call” event for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors is scheduled for June 23-27 at Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., sponsored by Bethany Theological Seminary.

“Do you...want to grow closer to God? Wonder what God has in store for you? Think about sharing your gifts and talents with the church and the world? Then Exploring Your Call is for you!” said an announcement of the event. “Exploring Your Call” is designed to help youth think about God’s calling, consider how to use their gifts, learn how to make life choices in relation to their faith, and make connections with other youth who are hearing God’s call.

The event is free to the youth who are accepted, with their only expense being travel cost to and from the event. Youth may register via e-mail by sending name, address, telephone number and alternate number, e-mail address, best times to be contacted, age on June 22, and “one question you have about God, about life, or about your future” to Jen Sanders, Exploring Your Call program director, at EYC@bethanyseminary.edu.

NCC General Assembly Seeks Stewards
An Experience in Ecumenical Formation for Young Adults

The National Council of Churches (NCC) is seeking young adults ages 18-30 to serve in its Stewards Program during the Nov. 7-9, 2006, General Assembly of the NCC and Church World Service in Orlando, Fla. The program provides young adults with a unique experience of ecumenical formation, as they serve to help make the assembly happen through volunteer assignments in hospitality, registration, platform assistance, technology, the assembly office, and the newsroom. Stewards must arrive in Orlando for orientation on Nov. 5 and depart Nov. 10. Expenses except personal expenses will be covered by the assembly, through special donations from supporters. Deadline for applications is Aug. 1. Go to http://www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/2006stewardsapplication.pdf.

Updates! Less than 90 Days until NYC starts!

• Registration is at a whopping 3571!
  
• Superchick is performing on Sunday night!
  
• The last day to sign up for Service Projects is May 1! If you want to participate and have not already expressed an interest on your registration, log back in and sign up!
  
• There are three Youth Speech Contest Winners: Allen Bowers, Jaime Frye, and Chrissy Sollenberger. Congratulations!
  
• There are currently 845 participants registered for the 5K Walk/Run. That means that there are 3 times as many people signed up to go hiking in the Rockies than there are signed up to walk to turn hunger around! It is not too late to sign up! You can log back into your registration account online and sign up today! The National Youth Cabinet is hoping that EVERYONE will participate!

Winners of National Youth Conference Speech Contest are announced.

The National Youth Cabinet has announced the three winners of the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC) Youth Speech Contest: Allen Bowers, Jamie Frye, and Chrissy Sollenberger. All three youth will deliver their speeches during the Monday morning worship celebration at NYC, on July 24 in Fort Collins, Colo.

Allen Bowers was born and raised in Woodstock, Va. He was baptized on Aug. 8, 1996, and will be 17 in May. He attends Antioch Church of the Brethren in Woodstock, Va., and is president of the congregation's youth group. Bowers has spoken at numerous churches in the past few years.

Jamie Frye lives in McPherson, Kan., where she is a member of Monitor Church of the Brethren. Next fall she will be a high school sophomore. She likes to participate in service projects, including a workcamp in Honduras with New Community Project and a Brethren Disaster Response project in Mississippi.

Chrissy Sollenberger is from Annville, Pa., and attends Mount Wilson Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa. She is a high school junior and editor of the school newspaper. Sollenberger was the grand prize winner of "Messenger" magazine's 2005 youth essay contest.

For more information about National Youth Conference, including full biographies of the speakers, visit www.nyc2006.org.

Source: 4/12/2006 Newsline

Counter-recruitment calls are scheduled for late April.

On Earth Peace has scheduled networking calls for those working on countering military recruitment for April 20 and 26.

"For those who haven't participated previously, the call is a great place to share what's been happening in your encounters with recruiters or work with youth around issues of militarism," said Matt Guynn, coordinator of peace witness for On Earth Peace. "We usually have eight to twelve participants from all around the country--California to Nebraska to Michigan to Maryland. Each gets a chance to share and request input or counsel. Whether or not you are currently active, it's a good place to hear how different groups are approaching the situation and get a little boost."

The calls will be offered on Thursday, April 20, at 7:30-9 p.m. eastern time, and on Wednesday, April 26, at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. eastern time. Respond to mattguynn@earthlink.net. If responding, please indicate any specific focus or question for conversation.

source: 4/12/2006 Newsline

School Kits to be Collected for NYC Sunday Offering

NYC and Church World Service are teaming up to collect Gift of the Heart School Kits as an offering during the Sunday evening worship celebration. The school kits collected will give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools needed for learning. Each donation must include exactly the materials listed below and will also require $2 to cover processing/shipping. Each kit should be packed in the cloth bag that is included in the list of supplies.

• One pair of blunt scissors
  
• Pads or notebooks of ruled paper 8-1/2" X 11", containing 140-200 sheets of paper. No filler paper, please.
  
• One 30-centimeter ruler (12")
  
• One pencil sharpener
  
• Six new pencils with erasers
  
• One large eraser
  
• Twelve sheets colored construction paper
  
• One box of 24 crayons
  
• One 12" x 14" finished size, cloth bag with cloth handles and a closure (Velcro, snap, or button)

For more information, please visit the NYC website: www.nyc2006.org

Young Adult Conference: May 26-28

Just a friendly reminder that Young Adult Conference is coming up, May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA. Registration goes up from $80 to $100 May 1, so be sure to get your registration in before May 1!

Speakers for the weekend include:

• Hannah Serfling
  
• Marlys Hershberger
  
• Bob Etzweiler
  
• Craig Smith

Worship Coordinators include:

• Walt Wiltscheck
  
• Becky Ullom
  
• Wendy Matheny

And Seth Hendricks will be providing music leadership.

To get information on the theme, as well as online registration, visit the YAC website at http://www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give a call at 800-323-8039 x.286 or an e-mail at etyler_gb@brethren.org.

Regional Youth Conference at McPherson College

Youth from the central and plains states will be at McPherson (Kan.) College this weekend, March 31-April 2, for Regional Youth Conference on the theme "Come and See." Leadership includes the National Youth Conference coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler as keynote speakers; and Seth Hendricks, a member of the band Mutual Kumquat, leading music. For more information contact 620-421-0742 ext. 1226 or replogles@mcpherson.edu.

Source: 3/29/2006 Newsline

Visit Bethany while returning from NYC

Is your youth group looking for a great place to stop on the way back from National Youth Conference? Bethany Theological Seminary is offering TGIF (tours, games, information, and food) on July 29, from 2-9 p.m. Youth traveling home from NYC will be welcomed at Bethany's Richmond, Ind., campus. For more information or to let the seminary know that a youth group will attend, contact Kathy Royer at 756-983-1832 or royerka@bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 3/29/2006 Newsline

On Earth Pizza

Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va., hosted “On Earth Pizza” on March 18, a time of informal sharing between On Earth Peace staff and Church of the Brethren members in the area of Washington, D.C. The gathering for youth and adults focused on questions such as “What’s happening in your community in terms of violence and injustice, militarism, racism, poverty?” A question specifically for youth asked, “What’s going on in your school with military recruiters?” For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.

Fulltime Coordinator of Workcamp Ministry

The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a fulltime coordinator of Workcamp Ministry in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin, Ill. The position starts this summer. Responsibilities include coordination of workcamps for junior high, senior high, and young adults; developing and expanding workcamp offerings; providing training and mentoring for Brethren Volunteer Service workers who serve as assistant coordinators; managing workcamp budgets, databases, and online registrations. Qualifications include membership in the Church of the Brethren, experience in working with youth and young adults, experience on workcamps or mission trips, organizational and administrative skills, experience working in a team, interpersonal and relational skills, ability to mentor young adults and provide spiritual leadership, willingness to travel. Education required is a minimum of a bachelor's degree, seminary education preferred, and competency with database and spreadsheet software. Application deadline is April 14. A position description and application form are available on request. Qualified candidates are invited to complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.

Source: 3/15/2006 Newsline

Workcamp space is still available for Pine Ridge Reservation.

The Youth and Young Adult Office "is excited to report that all spaces for the junior high workcamp opportunities are full!" said a report from Monica Rice, a workcamp coordinator. The response to the summer workcamps has been "overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and we are looking forward to an amazing summer of work and learning while focusing on the theme of 'Continuing the WORK of Jesus,'" she said.

One camp that still has space available is the senior high workcamp in Kyle, S.D., on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. "This will be a week of service and relationship building with the adults and youth on the reservation," Rice said. Senior high youth in the Church of the Brethren are invited to register for the camp, which will take place the week of June 11-17. The Pine Ridge workcamp experience also is being opened to any young adults who would like to join.

For more information visit http://www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/Home.html or contact Rice at mrice_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.

Source: 3/15/2006 Newsline

National Youth Conference welcomes Superchick, Medema, Gunzel.

There are three additions to the line up of speakers and music leadership for National Youth Conference (NYC) in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27. The Christian band "Superchick" will be performing during Late Evening Activities on Sunday evening, July 23. Christian musician Ken Medema also will be sharing his talent with the Conference. However, Beatrice Biira will not be able to attend. In her place Beth Gunzel will be speaking.

"We are very excited to have Superchick on our schedule," said the NYC coordinating team of Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler. "They're a great up and coming Christian band with songs already out on Christian radio."

Medema has performed at many past National Youth Conferences "and we are happy to have him return once again," the coordinators said. "He will be offering not only a Late Evening Concert, but also workshops and music leadership during a worship service."

Biira will not be able to attend because of problems with getting a visa to visit the US during the summer. Beth Gunzel has accepted the invitation to speak on the evening Biira was scheduled. A Church of the Brethren member working for the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships in the Dominican Republic, Gunzel will offer a unique perspective as a young adult working with an economic development program in the Caribbean island nation. Her work includes exploring "second-generation" business opportunities for communities in the DR. She also is working to increase the capacity of the Dominican Church of the Brethren to foster ownership and enable its successful operation of the program.

The current registration count for the conference stands at 3,133. Registration opened online on Jan. 1, and continues at www.nyc2006.org. The coordinators are hoping for a final registration of around 4,000 youth, advisors, volunteers, and staff.

Recently the worship coordinators and the National Youth Cabinet met to continue preparations for the conference. The coordinators also plan to travel to McPherson, Kan., to lead Regional Youth Conference at the end of March.

Special events at this year's NYC will include a "REGNUH" 5K walk/run to fight hunger, with proceeds going to the Global Food Crisis Fund, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board (registration is $10, pledge sheets are available online); and the collection of Gift of the Heart School Kits at a Sunday evening offering (for information about collecting and packing items for the kits contact the NYC office or visit the website).

In preparation for the conference, the Church of the Brethren is being called to an "NYC Prayer Day" on June 25, to pray for those who will be traveling to Colorado for the event as well as to have an opportunity for congregations to commission youth and their advisors. Worship resources and commissioning ideas will be sent to pastors and NYC advisors and will be available online.

An "NYC Tithe Challenge" calls on congregations sending youth groups, and individuals who are planning to attend NYC, to give ten percent of their registration fees. This would come to $40 per person. The money will go to the Global Food Crisis Fund.

The worship coordinators also are looking for stories of Church of the Brethren youth to share during the NYC worship services. "Do you know youth who have felt empowered through faith and are doing something unique that is making a difference in the lives of others? Whose faith journey was positively impacted by the 2002 NYC?" asked the group. "If you know of a youth who fits these criteria, we would like to hear about them!" Responders are asked to first seek the youth's permission to tell their stories. Send both your contact information and the youth's contact information to Wendi Hutchinson at wendi_hutchinson@yahoo.com.

To receives updates about National Youth Conference, join a list serve at http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/nyc2006.

Source: 3/15/2006 Newsline

Youth Peace Travel Team

Members of the Youth Peace Travel Team have been chosen for the summer of 2006. Four young adult women were chosen from the field of applicants to travel to youth camps throughout the Church of the Brethren. The goal of the team’s work is to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking. Team members will be Corinne Lipscomb, a Manchester College student from Springfield (Ill.) Church of the Brethren; Christina McPherson, a McPherson (Kan.) College student from Boise Valley Church of the Brethren in Meridian, Idaho; Margaret Bortner, a Lycoming College student from Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; and Karen Duhai, an Elizabethtown (Pa.) College student from Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The team is sponsored by On Earth Peace, the Outdoor Ministries Association, and the Church of the Brethren General Board’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Brethren Volunteer Service.

McPherson RYC

Registration deadline for Regional Youth Conference at McPherson (Kan.) College is March 1. The event, scheduled for March 31-April 2, is one of several RYCs to be hosted this spring by Church of the Brethren colleges. High school-age youth may register online at www.mcpherson.edu, click on “Calendar” to find the RYC listing. The website also features the schedule for the event and other information. The planning team for the conference represents Western Plains District, Northern Plains District, and Idaho District.

Embracing ecumenism: One young adult's journey

People come to ecumenism in different ways. Some grow up immersed in it. Some encounter it via a particular, momentous experience. Others come to an understanding of it gradually.

by Walt Wiltschek

People come to ecumenism in different ways. Some grow up immersed in it. Some encounter it via a particular, momentous experience. Others come to an understanding of it gradually.

For Sara Faulhafer, a 28-year-old member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the lessons of ecumenism came through seminary. When she began studies at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in Ontario two years ago, she encountered a very diverse student body.

Only 40 percent of the students there are actually Lutheran. The rest come from a variety of Protestant bodies and from other traditions, including Unitarians and Buddhists. Worship is held there each week, and this year the seminary administrators decided to reflect the students' diversity in worship. Ecumenical speakers come in regularly and help the students plan a week's worth of services from a specific tradition.

As part of that ecumenical effort, a delegation from World Council of Churches member churches visited the seminary last spring. They talked about the upcoming 9th Assembly in Brazil and about the stewards' programme for young people. That caught Faulhafer's interest.

She was worried about missing several weeks of classes, but the faculty quickly put those worries to rest. "The professors were all very supportive," Faulhafer recalls. "They said, 'Just go! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Forget about school!'"

And so a few weeks ago, she found herself in Porto Alegre, joining with about 150 other stewards who aid the operation of the Assembly while learning about ecumenical life, as well as numerous youth delegates, interns and others.

"I really wasn't sure what to expect", she said. "Pretty much everyone I talked to said it was going to be life-changing. It's just been phenomenal."

She found herself making friends from all corners of the world during the youth pre-Assembly event. They heard from speakers, studied the Bible together, discussed issues and planned for the Assembly ahead. They worked on topics of special interest to them to be covered in ecumenical conversations - in Faulhafer's case, on women's issues in the church.

A highlight of the event, she said, was when a group of African youth led singing and taught the group a dance. There was no rehearsal, no formality - just an invitation to get up and try it. "The whole room was praising God," she said. "It was amazing".

Very quickly, Faulhafer felt at home. She said the design of the programme, bringing the youth together first to build friendships and become oriented in a smaller group, works well. Only four members from her church came to the Assembly, so developing other connections has been important to her.

"I think the stewards have a different experience than a lot of the delegates", she said. "We're here for the pre-Assembly and live together. We've really grown into a strong community fast."

Smiling, she adds, "It's good to be able to walk into the worship tent or plenary hall and have a half-dozen people recognize your face, and also to be able to reflect together on our experience here. It's so fast-paced and so intense."

The ecumenical conversations have been Faulhafer's favourite part of the agenda. Her work as a steward has been focused on the worship tent, where she helps to prepare for morning and evening prayers each day, hands out sheets with the order of the service and answers questions.

She has been heavily involved with the youth striving to make their voices heard in the Assembly. She found other young people, like her, passionate about ecumenism and determined to be involved in more than "bit parts" or purely supporting roles. They are committed to having their age group and perspectives fairly represented on the WCC central committee and in other leadership positions.

Faulhafer has made careful plans to take this first-hand experience of global ecumenism back with her to Canada. She has been keeping an online blog from the Assembly so that her church and the seminary community may keep up with her reflections. Several congregations have already asked her to do presentations when she returns home, and she plans to do a programme at the seminary, as well.

She is also seeking to get something placed to the agenda of her synod convention this summer, and plans are in the works to do something with other Canadians who have come to Porto Alegre at a Canadian Council of Churches justice festival for young adults occurring in August.

For Sara, ecumenism is here to stay.

"Long-term, it's definitely going to shape my ministry", said Falhaufer, reflecting on the Assembly experience. "I want to become further involved with the WCC or other local ecumenical initiatives - in both, hopefully. It's something I'm going to draw on the rest of my life."

Walt Wiltschek is editor of Messenger, the denominational magazine of the Church of the Brethren. An ordained minister, he lives in St. Charles, Ill., in the United States.

Roundtable Youth Conference

The annual Roundtable youth conference will be held March 31-April 2 at Bridgewater (Va.) College. The theme is "Shine." Walt Wiltschek will be the guest speaker and Covenant Players will provide Friday night's entertainment. For more information contact Shenandoah District Office at 540-234-8555, or Virlina District Office, 540-362-1816.

Adult Christian Citizenship Seminar Scheduled by Brethren Witness/Washington Office

(Jan. 23, 2006) -- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has announced an Adult Christian Citizenship Seminar to be held May 6-11 in New York City and Washington, D.C., on the theme, “Healthcare for a Hurting World.” The event for adults is a counterpart to the Christian Citizenship Seminar offered for high school-age youth.

“Plan now to join as we explore the injustices of inadequate healthcare worldwide, and how a flawed healthcare system in the United States affects us all,” the office said in its January 2006 Witness to Washington newsletter.

Participants will arrive in New York on Saturday, May 6, where they will hear speakers, participate in worship, and visit the United Nations. On Tuesday, May 9, the group will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will meet with healthcare experts, share in sessions, sightsee, and participate in direct advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Cost is $350. To register call 800-785-3246. For more information about the Brethren Witness/Washington Office see www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html.

Young Adult Conference 2006

Young Adult Conference 2006, sponsored by Youth and Young Adult Ministries, will be held May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. The event is for young adults ages 18-35; registration for the conference is now open online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm

NYC Ultimate Tournament in Question

There is question whether the Church of the Brethren Credit Union (COBCU) is going to be able to provide the tournament for the youth after all, and if it is something that NYC might want to and be able to do itself. COBCU is still working on the issue, but for the meantime they’ve taken if off their website.

National Youth Cabinet issues ‘NYC Tithe Challenge’
Special offering to support the Global Food Crisis Fund

At its fall meeting, the National Youth Cabinet decided to plan several events at NYC that focus on global hunger. Millions of children, youth, and adults around the world are suffering, and we are called - as people of God - to work to end their suffering. We believe that the youth of the church can take the lead in responding to hunger, and we can begin with NYC.

In an effort to kick-start our efforts to alleviate hunger before NYC, the National Youth Cabinet is issuing a challenge to all youth groups attending NYC 2006 to tithe their fundraising efforts toward the Church of the Brethren Global Food Crisis Fund offering. We will have a special collection for the tithe money during the offering time designated for the Global Food Crisis Fund. If you do not wish to carry this money to NYC, we will also accept donations in the NYC Office that are marked specifically for the NYC Tithe Challenge.

Tithing is a spiritual practice that is a part of how we can live out our faith and demonstrate our devotion to God over possessions. The average cost for a NYC participant, including travel is around $800. If a youth group of 10 people was willing to tithe 10% of that cost, then they could give $800! If every participant tithed just their registration fee, then we could contribute $160,000 toward hunger relief!

We understand that it is hard work raising money to even attend NYC and that the thought of raising 10% more to contribute to this fund is asking a lot. But the National Youth Cabinet also wants to challenge the youth of this denomination to not only work toward serving ourselves, but to be intentional about serving others.

It is the hope of the Cabinet that you will take seriously the challenge to tithe as a spiritual practice and as a way of making a difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

If you choose to take on this challenge, please contact our office so that we may recognize your efforts on our website, as well as hold you in prayer as you continue to work toward your goal!

Registration closes soon for Cross-Cultural Celebration.

Registrations are due Jan. 15 for the annual Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Cross Cultural Ministries Team and the Congregational Life Teams of the General Board. The event will be held May 4-7 in Lancaster, Pa., on the theme, "Built Together, the Household of God" from Ephesians 2:17-22.

Plans for the consultation include daily worship in a variety of traditions, Bible study, discussion groups, and prayer circles, with the Friday evening service May 5 featuring bread and cup communion. Sessions are planned on anti-racism, the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, and Disaster Child Care. A new option this year is a work project on Saturday afternoon May 6. Also on Saturday, area youth are invited to participate in special events including a session for conversation between youth and consultation participants on their vision and plans for the future.

There is no registration fee for the event. Free-will offerings will be taken to help cover some expenses. The General Board will provide travel assistance for one to two people per congregation. Lodging is available with host families or participants may make other arrangements at their own expense. Registration information is available in English and Spanish. To register go to www.brethren.org and follow keyword links to "Cross Cultural Ministries." For more information call Duane Grady at 800-505-1596.

Source: 1/4/2006 Newsline

The New Community Project Learning Tours

The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization, has announced its schedule of Learning Tours for the coming year. The trips are open to all ages, with some scholarship aid for youth and young adults. Learning Tours are designed to increase understanding, deepen faith, build relationships, and show solidarity with God's people and God's creation. Upcoming trips include: El Salvador/Guatemala, Mar. 1-11, cost $600; Guatemala, May 18-30, $500; "Cancer Alley" Louisiana, May 28-31, $350; Honduras, June 19-29, $625; Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks, Alaska, Aug. 12-21, $500; Arctic Village, Alaska, Aug. 22-30, $800; Nepal, Oct. 16-27, $700; Sudan, Jan. 8-24, $1,300. Costs do not include airfare. Visit www.newcommunityproject.org for more information, or contact New Community Project director David Radcliff at 718 Wilder St., Elgin, IL 60123; 888-800-2985; dradcliff@newcommunityproject.org.

Source: 1/4/2006 Newsline

Pizza, conscientious objection bring youth together in Denver.

On Dec. 2-3, a group of 25 students and eight sponsors gathered in Denver, Colo., to discuss peacemaking and conscientious objection to military service. Male and female youth from Church of the Brethren and Mennonite congregations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Littleton gathered for an event called "Pizza and Justice: Considering Conscientious Objection."

Peacemakers packets were available for youth to consider filling out to document their beliefs. Erin Durban of the American Friends Service Committee described current requirements for military registration, prompting questions and discussion about the potential for a military draft. The draft was simulated by a lottery system: those whose birthdays were randomly assigned lower numbers were given clean-up chores.

The 1987 movie "Good Morning, Vietnam" stimulated discussion about comparisons between Vietnam and Iraq, press coverage and censorship, trust and betrayal, and being insulated from the atrocity of war. Participants discussed risk taking, reflecting on risks that those in the military take and the risks taken by the four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams who had been kidnaped in Iraq one week earlier.

Participants focused on positive and creative peacemaking, brainstorming a "Shalom Whirlybird" of ways to foster right relationships with God, self, others, and the environment. A peace quiz challenged participants to identify key events and statements about peace and justice. Small groups studied and analyzed passages of scripture comparing Jesus' teachings with cultural norms today. Each group then gave a presentation on what peacemaking might look like in their everyday journey, based on their passage. One concluded that it was "interesting to see other views and other youth be passionate about these issues."

The event closed with worship and silent reflection. Youth will now decide how to document their beliefs. While many participants said that the event answered many questions, there were still more questions, and a lot of interest in following up with another event.

Many of the participants attend historic peace churches in Colorado, some of which were begun when persons doing alternative service in Colorado decided to stay in the state. Mennonite Urban Ministries, a Denver faith-based organization, sponsored the event. For more information, contact Gail Erisman Valeta at 303-892-6416.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline

Young Adult Conference planned for May 2006.

Young Adult Conference 2006 will be held May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. The event is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for young adults ages 18-35.

Speakers for the conference include Paul Grout, a former moderator of Annual Conference; Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Hannah Serfling, who has been a member of the National Youth Cabinet and one of the two youth speech contest winners at National Youth Conference 2002; and Craig Smith, executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District.

Registration for the conference is now open online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80 prior to May 1, $100 from May 1-25, and $110 after May 26. At participants' request, the organizers will send a letter to home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline

Anabaptist leaders meet to discuss alternative service.

By Todd Flory

The Council of Moderators and General Secretaries (COMS) of Anabaptist denominations held an annual meeting at Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren Dec. 1-3. Hosted by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Washington Office of Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC), the group represented the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.

Washington was selected as the site for the meeting to facilitate and continue discussions with members of Congress and the Selective Service. The meeting follows a consultation on alternative service sponsored by COMS in March.

A portion of the meeting focused on the issues of alternative service and the potential of a military draft. In other meetings, the group met with leaders of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, and staff of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), who proposed a draft bill in Jan. 2003 that was almost unanimously defeated. Emile Milne, Rangel's foreign policy legislative director, said he had heard many groups talk about the draft but the Church of the Brethren and COMS were the only religious groups to come to the representative's office in person to talk about it.

Richard Flahavan and Cassandra Costley from the Selective Service System spoke regarding the potential of a military draft. "When you read the signs, you can see there's really no secret plan to fire up the draft," Flahavan said. "You can all be confident it's not going to happen." Costley said that she has had numerous meetings with various peace churches to work out guidelines for alternative service if a draft is implemented. "We welcome any assistance from religious organizations in finding suitable employment for these conscientious objectors," she said.

Not everyone was as certain that a draft will not occur. "We have all the elements of a perfect storm, and all we need is a butterfly flutter," said J.E. McNeil, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War. McNeil said she believes that President Bush might implement a draft if he thought it would pass through Congress. "'We have no choice,' that's the phrase he's going to have to use to sell it." Theo Sitther, lobbyist for CCW, added, "No one in the administration is talking about a draft, but people in the Pentagon are."

COMS discussed a contingency plan for a military draft, led by MCC staff Rolando Santiago and Titus Peachey. A report of issues, questions, and recommendations was presented, developed by Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service for Mennonite Mission Network; Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service; and Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC. Issues included alternative service placements, support for registrants, staying in relationship with soldiers, relationship to government and Selective Service, and collaboration with other historic peace churches and the CCW. Each representative at the COMS meeting will discuss the plan with his denomination and report in the spring.

COMS also met with Richard Cizik, vice-president for Governmental Affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), which has been working on issues such as the conflict in Darfur, prison rape, and global warming. He reviewed an NAE booklet discussing principles for Christian political engagement: protecting religious freedom and liberty of conscience, nurturing family life and protecting children, protecting the sanctity of human life and safeguarding its nature, seeking justice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable, protecting human rights, seeking peace and working to restrain violence, and protecting God's creation.

Marian Franz, executive director for the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, spoke about her work lobbying on the peace tax issue. The Peace Tax Fund bill, which has been compiled in the House of Representatives, has around 40 members signed on. The proposed bill would allow people who do not want any of their tax money to go to military spending, to have it placed in a fund for other purposes. Support has come from some unlikely organizations and seems to be on the upswing, Franz said.

Jim Towey, director of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, explained the plan that is designed, in part, to help faith-based organizations attain federal grant money for programs. He spoke candidly about government bureaucracy. "Regardless of whether you're a faith-based group or not, government can be a pain in the neck," he said. "We just look at whether the grant program works, not what religion it is."

The meeting in Towey's office ended with prayer, as did the meeting in Rangel's office. Many in the COMS group later reported that prayer in the presence of political officials and their staff was very meaningful, as it brought to a new light the cooperation between individuals and government who work together for change on many of the world's social justice concerns.

Participants included Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley; Chuck Buller, executive director of the Mennonite-Brethren Church; J. Daryl Byler, director of the MCC Washington Office; Warren Hoffman, moderator of the Brethren in Christ Church; Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Titus Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC US; Rolando L. Santiago, director of MCC US; Jim Schrag, executive director of the Mennonite Church USA; Ben Shirk, moderator of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; Steve Swartz, general secretary of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; and Roy Williams, moderator of the Mennonite Church USA. Hoffman was selected as moderator of COMS for 2006.

--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline

National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest Deadline

The deadline for the National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest is quickly approaching. Every youth attending NYC next summer is invited to write a speech on the theme, "Come and See." The speech should be based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to `come and see,'" said a statement from the NYC coordinators. "Jesus is inviting these disciples to come and be with him, to truly see who he is. As we come together in Colorado, show us your understanding of faith in today's culture and world." The top two entries will be preached during one of the worship services at NYC. Entries should be 500-700 words and about 10 minutes long. Send both written and audio versions to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2006. For more information see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline

ANABAPTIST LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE SERVICE

(Dec. 13, 2005) -- The Council of Moderators and General Secretaries (COMS) of Anabaptist denominations kicked off a 2005 annual meeting at Washington City Church of the Brethren on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Washington was selected for the meeting Dec. 1-3 to facilitate and continue discussions with members of Congress and the Selective Service. The meeting follows a consultation on alternative service sponsored by COMS in March at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Anabaptist churches that are members of the council include the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, and the Mennonite Brethren USA. Staff from Mennonite Central Committee US were invited to attend the meeting. Staff of the Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Washington Office of the Mennonite Central Committee coordinated the meeting.

A portion of the meeting focused on the issues of alternative service and the potential of a military draft. In other meetings, the group met with leaders of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, the National Association of Evangelicals, and the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund.

The council also visited with staff of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) in his Capitol Hill office. Rangel, who did not vote for the use of force in Iraq, proposed a draft bill in January 2003 that was voted on and almost unanimously defeated. This past year, Rangel introduced the draft bill again, this time with changes to the conscientious objector language.

Richard Flahavan and Cassandra Costley from the Selective Service System met with the group. “When you read the signs, you can see there’s really no secret plan to fire up the draft. You can all be confident it’s not going to happen,” Flahavan said. However, Costley said that she has had numerous meetings with various religious groups to work out guidelines for alternative service if a draft is implemented. “We welcome any assistance from religious organizations in finding suitable employment for these conscientious objectors,” she said.

Not everyone is as certain that a draft will not occur. “I think we have all the elements of a perfect storm, and all we need is a butterfly flutter,” said J.E. McNeil, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War. McNeil said that she believes President Bush might implement a draft if he thought it would pass through Congress. “‘We have no choice,’ that’s the phrase he’s going to have to use to sell it,” she said.

Theo Sitther, lobbyist for the center, added, “No one in the administration is talking about a draft, but people in the Pentagon are.” That is one reason why McNeil believes it is important to continue to educate and provide alternatives for people faced with the possibility of a draft.

In the meeting at Rep. Rangel’s office, Emile Milne, Rangel’s foreign policy legislative director, commented on the draft bill. “It was based on the issue of fairness,” Milne said. “If some people have to be in the war, then we should all have to share in that responsibility.” Milne said that another reason for Rangel’s bill was to make the draft a non-issue, as it obviously was going to be overwhelmingly defeated.

Immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq is something that Rangel would also support, Milne said. “Rangel believes the Iraq war is weakening the military to the point where the United States may not be able to defend itself if attacked,” he said.

The COMS meeting included discussion of development of a contingency plan for a military draft, led by Mennonite Central Committee US staff Rolando Santiago and Titus Peachey. A report of issues, questions, and recommendations were presented to COMS for consideration, developed by Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service for Mennonite Mission Network; Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service; and Peachey, director of Peace Education for Mennonite Central Committee US.

Some of the issues raised were alternative service placements under church agencies and non-church agencies, support for registrants, staying in relationship with soldiers, relationship of the churches to the government and Selective Service, and collaboration with other historic peace churches and the Center on Conscience and War. Santiago said the report is a work in progress designed to provide guidelines for denominations and organizations. Each representative at the COMS meeting will discuss the plan with his respective denomination and report back in the spring.

“I’m personally very encouraged by the degree of this discussion,” Santiago said.

COMS also met with Richard Cizik, vice-president for governmental affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), who reviewed a publication outlining seven principles for Christian political engagement.

Marian Franz, executive director for the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, spoke with the group about her work lobbying on the peace tax issue.

In the meeting on the Faith-Based Initiative, Jim Towey, director of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, explained President Bush’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative Plan. The meeting in Towey’s office ended with prayer, as did the meeting in Rep. Rangel’s office.

Many in the COMS group later reported that prayer in the presence of political officials and their staff was very meaningful, as it brought to a new light the cooperation between individuals and government who work together for change on many of the world’s social justice concerns.

Participants at the COMS annual meeting included Ronald Beachley, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; Chuck Buller, executive director of the Mennonite-Brethren Church; J. Daryl Byler, director of the Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office; Warren Hoffman, moderator of the Brethren in Christ Church; Phil Jones, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Titus Peachey, director of Peace Education for Mennonite Central Committee US; Rolando L. Santiago, director of Mennonite Central Committee US; Jim Schrag, executive director of the Mennonite Church USA; Ben Shirk, moderator of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; Steve Swartz, general secretary of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; and Roy Williams, moderator of the Mennonite Church USA.

Source: 12/13/2005 Brethren Daily News

Youth find solace in local faith groups

By JULIA HAMPTON
BRATTLEBORO

Each day we are bombarded by decisions, commitments, and obligations, and amid all of this, we have some fun and relax. For young people it is no different.

They are pulled between school, family, extra curricular activities and possibly even a job. Young people are trying to figure out who they are and how to make good choices. There are many different support systems that can help them along their journey, including faith communities.

"Life is hectic and I am under a lot of stress," said Annamae Manning, 16. "Church is a place I can listen and not have to worry about anything."

"I love the sense of community that is singular to religion," said Jesse Lopata, 16, as he talked about being a part of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community. "Through worship and prayer, real connection to those around you and God ... you're almost overwhelmed by happinessits. It's comforting."

Faith based communities provide support and a sense of connection that can have a profound impact on young people. Faith communities help young people develop values and spiritual strength.

Ian Hutchenson, 15, who attends Genesis Church of the Brethren, said he isn't exactly sure what he believes about God, but he appreciates having a place to talk about it.

Timothy Gantt, 17, who attends Agape Christian Fellowship, said that he definitely believes in God and that helps him feel less confused about life and what he is here for.

Faith communities also provide an opportunity for intergenerational connection where adults can mentor and teach children, passing on their life experience and wisdom in a unique way. They become an extended family where people feel loved and supported. Manning said that she goes to Centre Congregational Church because she likes the people.

She said that when things were hard at home she had people at church she was able to talk to. Hutchenson described Genesis Church of the Brethren as a community of good friends that support each other and pray for each other.

In Windham County, about 30 percent of youth in grades 6 through 12 spend one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution. Gantt said that church "is a fun place where I can hang out with friends." His youth group meets regularly to play games and have Bible study.

Hutchenson described "work camps" his youth group attends in the summer where they travel to North Carolina to help communities by building play grounds, working on nature trails, playing with children and more. Lopata meets with his youth group once a month to discuss Judaism in the world today and how it affects their lives.

With this sense of community and support, it is no surprise that research has found that young people involved in a faith community are more likely to volunteer in their community, be involved in student government, as well as have higher self-esteem and positive attitudes about life. Hutchenson described how his involvement in his church has encouraged him to help others and the community more than he would have apart from church.

Research also shows that young people who are part of a faith community are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol use, sexual intercourse and not wearing a safety belt. Gantt commented that as a teenager his involvement in youth group "keeps me active and out of trouble."

Lopata sought out a faith community as a teenager because he wanted to figure out what being Jewish was all about. He has friends that he feels have turned to drugs and alcohol because they are not intellectually stimulated or connected to a supportive community. Lopata explained that Judaism has a moral code and a focus on justice that "is hard to find in our culture. It is nice to step back and use Judaism to analyze the world and see how we can make things better."

With life as hectic and complicated as it is, it is important to make sure our young people have a community of support. Faith based communities can provide a wonderful place for young people to be connected to positive adults and peers, have opportunities to grow spiritually and be involved in fun activities that provide them with skills, knowledge and a sense of purpose.

Source: Brattleboro Reformer

Illinois/Wisconsin District NYC Travel Plans

The 2006 National Youth Conference is quickly approaching, and the Illinois/Wisconsin District bus trip is ready to take you there! This has become a much-enjoyed tradition, and it should be a great trip again this year.

Buses will leave from Naperville, Peoria, and Dixon on July 21 to head west. We will spend one night on the way out in Omaha, Neb., and one night on the way back at McPherson College in McPherson, Kan., before returning to the same three churches on July 28. The cost for the trip is just $200 - an increase of only $25 from the 2002 trip - which covers everything except meals and personal expenses. Initial registration/deposit deadline is March 15. A packet with details and registration forms will be sent to all churches in early December. If you still need information, contact Walt Wiltschek at wwiltschek_gb@brethren.org.

Note that this does not include your NYC registration; NYC participants need to register and pay for the conference separately; go to www.nyc2006.org.

NYC, held only once every four years for youth in grades 9 through one year beyond high school, is one of the largest and most exciting events in the denomination. Don't miss it!

Fall Retreat Recap

This year's fall district senior high youth retreat was held in conjunction with district conference Nov. 4-6 in Springfield, Ill. While we would have liked to have had more youth from the central and southern regions of the district participating, we still had a good weekend together.

About 25 people enjoyed presentations by former Brethren mission worker Roger Schrock on God's calling in our lives, and on ways that youth can call the church to take on challenging issues. Youth again served a Saturday evening ice cream social at the conference, raising about $300 to help defray next summer's National Youth Conference bus trip costs. The weekend also included worship, games, good meals, and free time to get better acquainted. Many thanks to cabinet president Becca Lipscomb and others at the Springfield church for helping with the arrangements.

Plans for the Spring Rretreat have also been finalized. It will take place March 17-19 at Freeport Church of the Brethren. Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean specialist for the Church of the Brethren General Board, will be our guest leader.

Speakers for National Youth Conference 2006 are announced.

The line-up of speakers for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27, will feature nationally known Christian activist and Sojourners community leader Jim Wallis, among a number of Church of the Brethren leaders, a comedy duo, a recipient of aid from Heifer International, and a leader against child slavery.

Wallis will speak on Sunday evening, July 23. The Mennonite comedy team Ted & Lee will perform on Sunday morning July 23. Craig Kielburger, who at the age of 12 helped organize the "Free the Children" network aimed at eradicating child slavery, will speak Monday evening July 24. Beatrice Biira, heroine of the children's story "Beatrice's Goat" and a Heifer International recipient from Uganda, will speak on Tuesday evening July 25.

Church of the Brethren speakers include Jeff Carter, a pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening July 22; peace studies leader and Juniata College professor emeritus Andy Murray on Wednesday morning July 26; Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm on Wednesday evening July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, on Thursday morning July 27.

On Monday morning July 24 the speakers will be the winners of a Youth Speech Contest. In addition, a Church of the Brethren Connections Service will highlight the work of the church around the world. The service will use multi-media to both inform and inspire youth by allowing them to see, hear, and feel what the church does both nationally and internationally, said a release from the NYC coordinators. "The hope for this service is that it will encourage the youth to make the work of the church a permanent part of their lives." Coordinators for the event are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler.

Follow up at the NYC website, www.nyc2006.org, which soon will offer more information about each of the speakers.

Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline

New workcamp announced for summer 2006.

Registration for the 2006 summer workcamp season will begin on Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. eastern time. Brochures listing the workcamp options and a listing on the website are available from the Youth and Young Adult Office of the church of the Brethren General Board. The office also has announced that it is jointly sponsoring with the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) a new senior high BRF workcamp option in Puerto Rico for summer of 2006.

Dates for the BRF workcamp are June 17-27. Twenty senior high youth and advisors who identify themselves with the BRF are welcome to join a workcamp that will partner with Puerto Rican congregations in work projects and to build relationships between campers and members of Puerto Rican congregations. "This workcamp will emphasize conservative, evangelical ideals with BRF leadership directing the camp," said workcamp coordinator Monica Rice.

Rice added, "Make sure to get your workcamp registrations in as soon as possible to insure that you receive your first workcamp choice. Just remember that there are many exciting options including five junior high camps, one senior high camp, one young adult camp, and a brand-new junior high/intergenerational camp." Find more information and register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html, or e-mail mrice_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.

Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline

Senior High Fall Retreat -- November 4-6, 2005

What: Fall Senior High Retreat and District Conference When: November 4-6, 2004 Who: 19 youth from the district attended. Guest Speaker: Roger Schrock

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First junior high conference is deemed a major success.

Tony Bruner stood before a group of 250 junior high youth and advisors and told them they were part of a special moment. Never before had a conference for their age group been held on a regional or national scale in the Church of the Brethren. Yet here they were, meeting Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in New Windsor, Md. Eight districts from Pennsylvania to North Carolina took part.

Bruner co-chaired the planning committee with General Board Youth/Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas. More than a year of planning went into the weekend, which carried the theme "Be Strong and Courageous."

They had no trouble finding junior highers willing to come. Douglas said registration was capped at 250 due to the facility limits of the Brethren Service Center, and a waiting list quickly grew. While most events were held at the center, the group slept at a nearby middle school.

The conference packed the allotted time with worship, meals, small groups, workshops, optional service projects, games, and tours of the center. Worship messages came from Mennonite drama team Ted & Lee, New Creation Project pastor David Weiss, and Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell, who pastors Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. Brethren folksinger Joseph Helfrich led music.

"It's really putting God in perspective," said Laura Kownacki of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, who said she particularly enjoyed a workshop with Ted & Lee. "They should make it a week long." She also liked the "hot hats" that participants received: red caps printed with "Jr. Hi."

Organizers said the response indicated a need for more such events. In the meantime, Weiss urged the junior high youth to continue offering their gifts to the church and the world. "Young people, we need you now!" Weiss said. "(Others) need to see you making a difference, and they can. There are so many many ways you can make a difference. Will you put your life in the hands of an extraordinary God?"

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline

Brochures and website are available for 2006 workcamps.

The Youth and Young Adult Office of the General Board has announced that brochures and a website for the 2006 workcamps are now available. Around 3,000 brochures already have been mailed directly to congregations and individuals. For the summer of 2006 the office is planning six junior high workcamps including a new junior high/intergenerational workcamp, one senior high workcamp, and one young adult workcamp.

Junior high workcamps are scheduled for June 12-16 in Ashland, Ohio; June 19-23 in Innisfree Village, Va.; July 9-13 in New Windsor, Md.; July 16-20 in Keyser, W.Va.; and Aug. 9-13 in Indianapolis, Ind. The junior high/intergenerational workcamp is set for Aug. 2-6 in Harrisburg, Pa. The senior high workcamp will take place June 11-17 in Kyle, S.D. The young adult workcamp will be May 29-June 5 in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Continuing the WORK of Jesus" will be the theme for the workcamps, taking a look at the example of Jesus' life and ministry and applying that example to situations in workcamp settings. There will also be sharing about modern people who exemplify Jesus' work in the world, and some of the Youth Action Goals for the United Nations Millennium Development Campaign will be incorporated. "Altogether, we are planning to grow in faith, knowledge, and appreciation for service in many different settings through the 2006 workcamps," said coordinator Monica Rice.

To order brochures or for more information contact Rice at 800-323-8039 or mrice_gb@brethren.org. Visit the workcamp website, where you can download a PDF version of the workcamp brochure and begin registration for workcamps on Dec 1 at 12:00 am Eastern time, at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline

Preparations for National Youth Conference 2006 continue.

Preparations for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2006 in Fort Collins, Colo., next summer continue with calls for entries to a Theme Song Contest and a Speech Contest, and an announcement of a new list server for the event. The NYC coordinators also issued a call for youth worker applications. Youth workers act as volunteer staff for the event and carry out a variety of tasks during the week of the conference.

The Theme Song Contest is open to anyone who likes to write music. Songs should center on the theme for NYC, "Come and See." Submissions are due to the NYC Office by Nov. 1 in the form of both an audio recording and a print copy of the lyrics.

The Speech Contest is open to all youth attending NYC 2006. The topic of speeches should center on the theme for NYC, "Come and See." Entries should include a written copy and audio copy of the speech, which should be 500-700 words (about 10 minutes spoken). Submissions are due to the NYC Office by Jan. 1, 2006. The authors of the top two entries will give their speeches during a worship service at NYC.

The new list serv is open to anyone who wants to keep up to date on the latest NYC news. Subscribe at http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/nyc2006

Youthworker applications are due Nov. 1. The application form and more information may be found on the NYC website at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.

Coordinators for NYC 2006 are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler, working with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. For more information about NYC 2006, see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline

Illinois - Land of Contrasts
Don Vermilyea's Reflections
October 2005

Dear Friends

For only the second summer of the four walked, wild fruit was plentiful. The early fruits (blackberries and raspberries) mostly dried up, but the apples were abundant from wild trees. There was even a peach tree with golf ball size fruits on the ground. Man they were good!

Illinois was brutal hot and humid for the entire four months the walk was there, except for about ten days. This makes three summers out of four with well above normal temperatures. Fifty degrees is a nice temperature for me, eighty is very hot to walk and sixty-five and above at night means sleep is accomplished in sweat. But… it didn't rain much, bad for farmers and good for me.

Church of the Brethren and others hospitality was excellent for the most part. This is the largest thank you section so far. June and July thank yous for food, lodging, etc., to: Karen, Charley, and Kenny Bridges; Jim and Becky Griffen; Howard Schockey; Tony Saputo; Dale, Penny, Courtney, Sammy, Evan, Andrae, and Brenden Dinterman; LaPlace Church of the Brethren; Jodie, Derek, Torie, Josiah, and Isacc Agar; Bill Nickerson; Becky from the Salvation Army; Eric Volkel-Barno, Melinda, and Andrew Barno; Terry Link; Marsha, Allen, and Emily Krall; Kres, Elizabeth, and Becka Lipscomb; Springfield First Church of the Brethren; Fletcher Farrar and Mary Jessup; Jan Stoller; Joan Boatz; Astoria Church of the Brethren; Gary Schultz; Woodlands Church of the Brethren; Jeanine and Ernie Shanks; Camp Emmanuel; Debbie Taylor and Love Community Church; Tammy and Kevin Kessler; Canton Church of the Brethren; Virgina Everist; David Radcliff; Larry and Barbara O'Neil; Chris, Jenny, and Molly Stover-Brown; Hannah Edwards; Amy Heckert; John and Michelle Elder; Leonard, Vicky, and Wendy Matheny; Peoria First Church of the Brethren; Christine Hoecker; Dana McNeil; Church of the Brethren General Board; Marilyn Kiefaber; Peter Yordy; Philip and Peggy Yordy; Panther Creek Church of the Brethren; Annie and Jerry Sales; St. James Evangelical Congregational Church; Dan McFadden; Judy and Neil Brinkmeir; Harry and Cindy Wilkinson; Anna Pomazal; Chuck and Jane Pomazal; Dixon Church of the Brethren; Dale and Alice Wickert; Pat Ball; Camp Emmaus; Church of the Brethren Illinois Junior High Camp; Jim Miner; Barb, Tim, Alex, and Cheyenne Krehl; Uldine Baker; Dean and Sue Coppernoll; Pat and Earl Miller; Yellow Creek, Freeport, and Rockford First Church's of the Brethren; Church of the Brethren Illinois Senior High Camp; Mike Garner; Polo Church of the Brethren; and Richard and Joyce Person.

August and September thank yous for food, lodging, etc., to: Franklin Grove Church of Brethren; Dale Erisman; Lelia Place; Ruth and Lloyd Shipman; Judd and Kay Peter; Christ Connections Community Church; Jeff Rugg; Ginger Florence; Dennis Webb; Naperville Church of the Brethren; Ron Olsen; Jim, Elvira, Elizabeth, and Nate Lawdenski; Faith Church of the Brethren; Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford; Ralph Miner; Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren; Jeanne Ardith Davies; York Center Church of the Brethren; Carolyn, Mike, Hannah, Jonah, and Renee Neher; Douglas Park Church of the Brethren; Shirley Petracek; Christian Peacemakers Team; Chicago Fourth Presbyterian Church; Richard Williams; Allison Hutchinson; Chicago First Church of the Brethren; Orlando Redekopp; Barb Dugan; Ruth from Monee (Gas City); Zion Lutheran Church of Chebanse; Ryan from Buckley; Rex Richardson; Margaret Hicks; Champaign Church of the Brethren; J.P. from Paris; Jim Clark; Oak Grove Federated Church; David and Vicky Johnston; Allison Prairie Church of the Brethren; Tim and Dottie Ridgely; Eric Poole; Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren; Pat Rothrock; Debbie Baker; Sharon and Gene Gardner; Kenny Rutherford; Martin Creek Church of the Brethren; Carson and Donna Tullis; Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren; Tom and Linda Dooley; Marlene Carpenter; Charlene and Bud Leitch; Carlyle United Methodist Church; Guy Ball; Christi, Jeremiah, Jacob, Blake, and Nikki Aeschleman; and Vienna First United Methodist Church.

Special thank yous to: Keith Cummins and Julie for teeth cleaning; Dale Sesse for glasses; Eric Volkel-Barno for typing, emailing, and CD work; Phil Miller for a haircut; Chuck Pomazal for a new reflective vest; Pat Ball for medical help; Jeanne Ardith Davies for typing and emailing; Carol and Darrell Needham for shoes, pair #10; Jewel McNary for maps; Kenny Rutherford for a watch; Carson Tullis for new glasses; Christi Aeschleman for typing and emailing; Ed Garrison and Clarene Dunn for initial church contacts.

A double thank you to all of those I have forgotten to thank.

All kinds of people walked with me in Illinois. Dan McFadden of the Highland Avenue Congregation upped his record for the most miles walked across America to 92. Annie Sales of the Franklin Grove Congregation walked 42, the second most. Guy Ball of the Dixon Congregation is in third with 39. Jim Batterman formerly of the Woodlands Congregation, and now residing in Houston, Texas is in fifth with 26. Camp Emmaus in rural Mt. Morris was the sight of the most at one time to ever walk with me, 91 campers and counselors from the Senior High Camp!!!!! And the Junior High Camp included 45, good for third place all time. I am grateful for all that walked with me. I am even more grateful to those who carried my pack on their back.

And then there is my good friend Barb Dugan who drove from Pennsylvania to walk with me. This was a huge treat. But as usual the huge majority of the time I walked without human companionship.

Illinois had skyscrapers, the tallest of the walk. Such riches tied up in buildings in corporate America. Illinois yielded the second most money from their streets and highways. It was everywhere. Poverty abounded in much of the state too.

Law enforcement was as ornery as the weather. The general public was more ornery than not. There was more Church of the Brethren rejections in Illinois than the prior three plus years west of the Mississippi. It is a wonderful feeling when I know there is at least floor space at night for this homeless person. I have a hard time when we put politics, busyness, selfishness and other excuses above sharing a sleeping space with a Christian brother.

Illinois began after crossing the Mississippi River for the third time and ended when the walk crossed the Ohio River for the first time into Kentucky. I am glad this state is over.

Illinois Stats
May 29 2005 - October 03, 2005
71 nights hosted
56 nights homeless
1393 miles were walked

In Christ's Love,
Don

Chicago youth hear truth from Sergeant Abe.

With its young folks on the receiving end of a slick and aggressive nationwide military recruiting drive, members of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill., brought in their own recruiter: Sergeant Abe.

A creation of Quaker House in Fayetteville, N.C.--neighbor to Fort Bragg, one of the world's largest military complexes--"Sgt. Abe, the Honest Recruiter" appears overlaid on a copy of a conscription agreement. He points out key details that recruiters often fail to mention, such as non-negotiable extensions of deployment, and explains what they can mean in a soldier's life.

Sgt. Abe was just one of many tools employed during an afternoon workshop held at the church on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, said Duane Ediger in a report from the event. To open the session, participants shared their connections with the military. Several offered stories of deep suffering by friends and family with combat-induced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They also heard personal experiences of peacemaking in war zones, saw a video featuring interviews of enlistees, were given forms to fill out to help establish a claim of conscientious objection in case a military draft is reinstated, and learned that it is possible--even easy--to back out of a commitment to the Delayed Entry Program.

The 22 participants included seven youth--three regulars at First Church with four of their friends--several adult members of First Church, a chaplain from the neighboring Bethany Hospital, a South African visitor, a Mennonite pastor, a Voluntary Service worker with youth organizing for peace, and other local community organizers. Doug Hostetter, peace minister of Evanston (Ill.) Mennonite Church, and experienced draft counselor Rich Rutschman led the session.

The church served pizza and soft drinks after the 90-minute workshop and participants were invited to stay for the evening Bible study on the related theme of "The Healing Power of Nonviolence/Love" led by First Church pastor Orlando Redekopp.

"Sergeant Abe, the Honest Recruiter" is downloadable as a pdf file from www.quakerhouse.org.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline